September 2021 - Connecting our community
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Connecting our community FREE September 2021
Village Contacts From the Rector
CHURCH OFFICIALS AND ORGANISATIONS
Rector Rev Pete Deaves 852275
OTHER VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS
Cricket, Sports & Social Club How do we live
well together in
rector@frittendenchurch.org.uk Chair Nick Bull 852105
Secretary Charlotte Sharp 852217
Churchwardens Joanna Beech 852312
John Stansfeld 852185 Friends of Frittenden School
God’s world?
Chair Beks Harding 712138
Reader Tony Staples 852226
Pre-school Manager
Treasurer Christopher Page 852230 Sarah Davies 852100
Deanery Synod James Highwood 852715 Home 852130
Secretary Vacant Primary School Head of School
Nichola Costello 852250
Verger Margaret Knight 852322 That’s a question I’m often reflecting on with The Bible is full of life, and life-giving.
Gardening Society our primary school pupils when I have the Engaging with what we read there is what
Director of Music Morwenna Campbell-Smith President Sue Martin 852425
privilege of taking an assembly, or dropping helps us see just how to live well together in
07703 522102 Chairman Duncan Rouse 852232
Secretary Tricia Palmer 852430
into a lesson. Beginning to navigate the God’s world. And this Autumn we’re excited
Parish Disclosure Officer Show Secretary Jeremy Beech 852312 complexities of the playground and the to be running the aptly-named Bible Course,
James Highwood 852715 Treasurer / Subs Nicky Robinson 852488 classroom is already prime time to start this which provides a birds-eye view of the Bible.
Parish Safeguarding Coordinators important conversation. The course is designed to increase confidence
Historical Society
Lindsey Moore 852553 in how to ‘read the Bible better and see its
Chair Phil Betts 852243 Because the question isn’t going away,
James Highwood 852715 Bernard Millard 852219
relevance to daily life.’ It’s interactive and
Treasurer whether we’re reacting to a social media post
Secretary Tor Millard 893703 flexible, and is accessible for anyone, whether
Bell Ringers or responding to a housing development
Captain & Secretary David Manger 01622 890675
you’re intrigued and bemused, or read the
Marquee Hire Mike Cooper 852108 proposal. Will I operate - especially in
Bible regularly.
Magazine situations where not everyone sees things
Memorial Hall
Editor James Booth-Clibborn 852538 as I do? How do we live well together in We’d love you to join us for a taster session
Chair Rosalind Riley 852317
frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
Hire hall, tables/chairs, etc.
God’s world? on either 8pm Wednesday 8th (at Trinity) or
Features Rebecca Brown 852561 Eileen Bridges 852563 10am Thursday 9th September (in St Mary’s).
Emma Griffin 852308 One of the unique things about church is
Organisations Do just turn up, or get in touch if you’d like
Advertising Nicky Vernon 852537 Parish Council that from different backgrounds and vantage
some more information.
Art Director Andy Lane 852769 Chairman Tony Staples 852226 points we share one faith, and join together
to worship Jesus. In late August we could see Blessings,
Open The Book Helen Stansfeld 852185 (For more details of other Local Council contacts, see back page).
Not operating at present different perspectives in black and white as Pete – 852275
Royal British Legion both churches displayed the responses to our
Sunday Club Joanna Beech 852312 Mike Burden 01622 432866 And talking of living well together, do look
Chairman July survey.
Hon Sec. Howard Lilley 852225 out for details on the church website of
But whatever our perspective, as Christians how we’re opening out our family-friendly
www.frittendenchurch.org.uk Tennis Club
uniquely we take our bearings from God’s Sunday afternoon service. An opportunity
Chair Nigel Casswell 852772
Treasurer John Marshall 852345 inspired Word. The Bible - the book which for young and old – and with food involved
Childline 0800 1111 continues to beat the bestsellers year after – what’s not to like?
Women’s Institute year. More accurately it’s an unparalleled
Relate 01892 529927 President Anne Holroyd 893256
collection of 66 books scribed by around
appointments@westmidkent.eclipse.co.uk Vice President Ros Bowles 852323
Secretary Ros Bowles (temp) 852323
40 poets, historians and preachers from
Defibrillators Treasurer Valerie Thomas 762821 different backgrounds and vantage points
These are now available at: the village hall, the pub, across the centuries.
Larchmere and a mobile unit available for use at Youth Club
village events. The Club is not able to function at the moment.
Later, we hope…
2 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 3
St Mary’s services during September Reflections
Wed 1st Wed 15th
The Promise of
9:00 SPACE - St Mary’s 9:00 SPACE - St Mary’s
10.00 Coffee Morning at Trinity Church, talk by Thu 16th
Juliet Mellor - Riding for the Disabled
14:00 Warden’s meeting 19:30 Joint PCC Meeting at Trinity Church
Harvest
Sun 5th Trinity 14 Sun 19th Trinity 16
10:00 Morning Worship - St Mary’s 10:00 Holy Communion CW - St Mary’s
18:00 Holy Communion BCP - Trinity 16:00 Families Together - St Mary’s
Mon 6th
18:00 Evening Worship - Trinity Tony Staples
Mon 20th
9:00 Moving Mountains - St Mary’s
19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 9:00 Moving Mountains - St Mary’s
10:00 Little Lambs The earth is the Lord’s
Wed 8th 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice
14:30 CAMEO in St Mary’s Church Wed 22nd
and all that is upon it
20:00 The Bible Course - Session 1 - in Trinity Created and creative things
Church Rooms 20:00 The Bible Course - Session 2 - in
Trinity Church Rooms Fruit and fruitfulness
Thu 9th
10:00 The Bible Course - Session 1 - in
Thu 23rd Springtime and Summer
St Mary’s Church 10:00 The Bible Course - Session 2 - in Seedtime and Harvest
St Mary’s Church
Sat 11th
Sun 26th Trinity 17 For the promise of harvest
Ride & Stride in aid of Friends of Kent Churches
10:00 Morning Worship - Trinity contained within a seed
Sun 12th Trinity 15 18:00 Holy Communion BCP - St Mary’s
10:00 Holy Communion CW - Trinity
we thank you.
Mon 27th
18:00 Evening Worship - St Mary’s
9:00 Moving Mountains - St Mary’s For the oak tree
Mon 13th 10:00 Little Lambs within an acorn
9:00 Moving Mountains - St Mary’s 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice
10:00 Little Lambs The bread
19:30 Bell Ringing Practice within a grain
The apple
Late changes - Please check on the church website CAMEO - Come And Meet Each Other - Coffee, tea and chat
for any changes to services or events - in St Mary’s or Memorial Hall. within a pip
frittendenchurch.org.uk A recording of the Sunday morning service will be available The mystery of nature
SPACE - Silent reflection Prayer and Communion Ending each week on the website, under the Audio tab, and also
by 9:30 available to listen to via the dial up number 01580 234185.
gift-wrapped
Moving Mountains - Prayer for the needs of the Community, In the United Benefice of Sissinghurst with Frittenden, St
for us to sow
held in St Mary’s, open to all. Mary’s is the parish church of Frittenden and Trinity is the we thank you.
Little Lambs - the new group for Toddlers and their Carers, parish church of Sissinghurst. We bless you,
meeting weekly in St Mary’s. God of Seed and Harvest
Church rotas - Sunday Services And we bless each other
Date Time Sidesmen Readers Prayer Sound Coffee
That the beauty of this world
5th Sep
And the love that created it
10:00 Mack Mehrabian Judy Staples Tony Staples John Stansfeld Dutton
Helen Stansfeld James Booth-Clibborn Might be expressed though our lives
12th Sep 18:00 Tony Staples Marian Dutton John Dutton Debbie Haine
And be a blessing to others
Judy Staples Tony Staples Now and always.
19th Sep 10:00 Calvin Moore Elaine Highwood Henry Robinson John Stansfeld Staples Amen
Colin Highwood John Dutton
26th Sep 18:00 Christopher Page Margaret Knight - Judy Staples Photos by Richard Attew From ‘Praying through the Celtic Year’ -
Janin Campos Christopher Page www.faithandworship.com.
Flower Rota Sep 5th & 12th Pauline Finn; Sep 19th & 26th Sara King.
Cleaning Rota - Lindsey Moore, Joanna Beech. Key Rota - Michele Allchin (852358)
We welcome reflections to frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com – a poem, prayer,
thought... something to help us pause and reflect.
4 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 5
Notices From the Editor
Trinity Church Sissinghurst and St Mary’s Church Frittenden
Church Administrator – Part Time
A Village of
We are looking to employ a part time administrator to help in the running of the two churches. Working Passion and
Compassion
closely with the Rector, Rev Pete Deaves, the role involves:
Collation and preparation of weekly Orders of Services, co-ordinating printing and distribution.
Planning service rotas for three months ahead.
Setting up and operating or linking to Google calendars for booking of events.
Preparation of monthly expense claims. I hope you all had an enjoyable summer. After the luxury of a few months ‘unlocked’
Administration for weddings, funerals and baptisms. life, the village is buzzing with activities
This September issue brings us a breath of
Hours & location - it is envisaged that the role will take approximately twenty hours per month. Some tasks need to be and purpose. As well as our regular church,
done weekly and others on an occasional or periodic basis so there is need for flexibility over a month. The post holder will different articles:-
village organisation updates, and a growing
be able to work from home. If this is not possible then a room could be made available in the Sissinghurst Parish rooms.
• Two village stories including one by What’s On section the monthly magazine is
Essential skills – we are looking for someone who is personable, unflappable, highly organised, a good communicator and a
confident user of Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Adobe Acrobat and email.
previous residents Janet & Stuart Ash beginning to take shape!
with the above title, and a golden
Applicants do not need to be a practising Christian to apply, however a knowledge of the Church of England and a As always thank you to the support of our
wedding anniversary.
motivation to support the growth of the local church will be a distinct advantage. local advertisers.
Remuneration – The position will attract a salary of £300 per month. • Our first farmer’s article ‘Over the Farmers
Our ambition is a more connected community
Duration - as this is a new role the initial term is for one year during which time it will be regularly reviewed. Gate’ from Dick Munton.
through the Parish Magazine, and to achieve
If you would like more details please speak to Rev Pete Deaves (852275), • Update on two key community projects that we need your stories and views.
or one of the Wardens: Joanna Beech (852312), Pennie Durie (712612), - The Memorial Hall & Frittenden
Do keep those articles coming…
Fraser McKie (291038) or John Stansfeld (852185). Community Stores.
James Booth-Clibborn
If you would like to apply, please send a CV and covering letter to John Stansfeld, • News of an important TWBC initiative to
Editor
john.stansfeld@gmail.com by Wednesday September 15th. support Afghan families
frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
GABY CLARKE STARTING ON MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
10-11.30 @ ST MARY’S FRITTENDEN!
curtains, cushions & blinds Parents and Carers of Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
are warmly invited to hop along to Little Lambs
@ St Mary’s Church.
A warm welcome, toys, good coffee/tea, delicious homemade
cakes, crafts, Bible Story and singing time. It will be a great
opportunity to connect with other local families. We’d love to see you there!
hand-crafted soft furnishings , free quotations Currently, there is no need to book a space so do just come along!
For more details contact Claire Deaves: deavesclaire@gmail.com
phone: 01580 852698 email: gaby_clarke@icloud.com
6 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 7
Birds Over the Farmer’s Gate
Songbirds
abundant seeds and the ground has been
soft enough for birds like the blackbird to be Weather vs
Harvest
able to turn over the soil and feed on worms
and and invertebrates. In drought years, bird
starvation can occur amongst species whose
Seedheads
diet is focused upon soil-living creatures.
Dick Munton at Brissenden Farm
One of the joys of August is the sight of a flock
of goldfinches balancing and swaying on the
Rebecca Warren dry seedheads of the flowers in my garden.
Indeed, I plant a lot of scabious and teasel for
As I write this, the 2021 harvest is
precisely this reason (well actually, teasels plant approaching fast and we are hoping that
The dog days of summer - traditionally the a year of frustrating weather won’t end
themselves after the first year!) And beyond
period of summer characterised by thunder with a wet one. Winter wheat established
the garden gate they are often seen feeding
storms, sultry heat, drought and discomfort.
on thistle seeds, one of the few animals that well last autumn but was then subjected
In ancient Egypt the rising of the dog star, really appreciates a field full of these otherwise to one of the wettest winters on record, have sown in a number of field corners
Sirius, [which is the origin of the phrase] unpalatable plants. In the past the goldfinch followed by the driest ever April. The for the benefit of bees, butterflies and
was the precursor to the flooding of the Nile, was widely caught and kept as a cage bird, wet early summer increased disease other invertebrates. These are now well
whilst in ancient Greece its appearance came and for centuries it has had strong Christian
pressure on the crop and our fingers established and in full flower. We also
to be associated with the hottest part of the resonances. Its love of thistles was believed to maintain wide grassy margins around our
link it with Christ’s crown of thorns and it was
are now firmly crossed for some dry,
summer and its storms. Well, we’ve certainly arable fields, to provide habitat for small
had thunderstorms and occasional moments often depicted in paintings of the Madonna sunny weather to follow this period of
unseasonal rain. mammals and ground-nesting birds. It
of heat but for a change, this year has not and Child, where it was intended to foretell
sometimes feels as though we are fighting
inflicted drought upon us. And the result is the crucifixion. Nowadays, thankfully, they are Our two fields on the Biddenden Road
no longer trapped and caged here, and their a losing battle against predators, especially
that many of our gardens are looking fresher,
were too wet to drill winter beans in the the ecological disaster that the protected
greener and lusher than they have for several numbers seem to be stable. If the dog days of
years. Much of our wildlife has benefited from summer bring goldfinches as well as thunder, Autumn but we managed to get some badger has become. Keeping loose dogs off
this damper weather; flowers have produced then it’s a season worth waiting for, in my book. spring beans in at the end of March. the margins is nonetheless necessary for
Unfortunately, the wet early summer their success.
caused their roots to rot and the crop
has failed. It has now been sprayed off, A new Environmental Land Management
enabling us to kill any black grass in the Scheme is being developed by DEFRA
crop that has not yet set seed. A picture to replace the area-based subsidy long
in last month’s magazine showed a favoured by the EU. This will be a major
rogueing gang pulling this pernicious change for the farming industry and we
weed from a wheat field by hand - 21st have yet to see any detail. The current
century farming! initiatives at Brissenden are not part of any
grant schemes and we are hoping that the
In common with many other farmers, new scheme will incentive farmers to
we take some land out of production do more.
to enhance the habitat for wildlife,
contributing, we believe, to the diversity of We welcome monthly articles to
bird-life in the parish. Walkers may have frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
noticed nectar-rich wildflower plots we
8 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 9
Kent in the Kitchen
Wild
Pickings!
Rebecca Brown
This September we have gone ‘native’ and cobnuts, but in fact ‘cobnut’ is simply another
is heading off down a footpath to look for name for the hazelnut and these are rarely
wild pickings! for sale ‘in the husk’. The distinctive nut that
is briefly for sale now is actually the filbert,
Late summer heading into autumn is the
which has much longer husks that entirely
season to snack on those little edible pleasures
cover the brown nut within. Filberts and
that enliven a country walk. And first on
cobnuts are still grown commercially in Kent
the list is the blackberry, a treat found
- just - especially around Plaxtol and the nut
along almost every footpath in the parish.
plats [orchards] are so distinctive that they
My grandmother used to make bramble
are worth buying just to support these little
jelly, letting the cooked fruit strain for a
islands of local distinctiveness.
day through fine muslin before producing a
delicately set jelly from the resulting juice. Where our footpath disappears into the wood,
Served in glass bowls on a white tablecloth, the dense shade of the chestnut coppice is
with slices of fresh bread and curls of butter, a sudden reminder to start looking out for
its deep black-red depths were exquisite to chestnuts towards the end of the month.
look at, and deliciously scented to eat. Of Chestnuts are believed to have been brought
course you can buy blackberries too - but the to Britain by the Romans (well, what isn’t?)
cultivated forms have strange long shapes, and in the past they were widely planted to
and it just seems wrong to buy them when supply coppiced timber for construction and
you can pick your own for free; the stained making charcoal. Nowadays many chestnuts
fingers and pricked arms are part of the coppices are left uncut and as the trees mature
pleasure - aren’t they? they come into ‘fruit’. Take them home and
roast in the oven with salt and butter - but if
Further along the path is a clump of hazel.
you’ve found more than an evening’s snack,
During late summer these stalwarts of
then they can be left for 5 days, then peeled,
Wealden hedge and woodland reveal pale
skinned and frozen. Fifteen to twenty minutes
green papery hands clasped around even
in boiling water turns a frozen chestnut back
paler green nuts. Often the first sign that the
into a delicious addition to a meal, with
nuts are ripe is the tell-tale litter of nibbled
the added pleasure that comes from having
shells and stripped husks on the ground
gathered them yourself.
below, where mice have already stolen half
the harvest. Kent is famous, of course, for its Happy hunting!
10 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 11
Historical Society Historical Society
Frittenden
an active supporter of the Society, which continued speeches and toasts. These would reflect the social
for nearly 100 years, formally closing in June 1939. order of the day. As well as toasting themselves,
As such, its longevity as an independent society was members also drank the health of the Queen, ‘the
remarkable, surviving for many years what has been Bishops and Clergy’ and later in the 19th century,
Provident referred to as the onward march of national affiliated
orders which were busy mopping up village clubs in
the second half of the nineteenth century.
the Army and Navy.
Glazed earthenware pint pots bought for use on
Society
such occasions can still be found in the parish.
From the outset Frittenden’s honorary members,
The early twentieth century saw the construction of
the wealthier members of the parish, were expected
a ‘club house’ by the Provident Fund immediately
to donate funds to the society to provide adequate
Phil Betts reserves to meet the demands of its members.
behind The Bell Inn. It still stands today.
Chmn. Frittenden Historical Society However, officers of the society were drawn from Club Day, not surprisingly since it’s raison d’être
the farmers and tradesmen in the village, not from went the band. As well as being dressed in their was eating and drinking, was strictly governed and
among the honorary members, nor the labourers best clothes the members of the club often wore was as much a village celebration as the club’s own,
For nearly 100 years, Frittenden had its own themselves. An Almanack of 1850 refers to the club favours, or sometimes regalia, and they carried with open air dancing in the evening. Club Day
‘friendly’ or workers’ insurance society. Frittenden Provident Society having a President, banners and flags. was one of the great days of the village year, looked
Treasurer & Deputy, Secretary, two Auditors, 10 forward to and saved for, for months beforehand.
The aim of Friendly Societies was simple. Members Committee Men and four Stewards. It was the A newspaper report on the 1846 gathering noted
paid a contribution weekly when in work as a existence of the honorary members together with the that the inhabitants of Frittenden ‘seem as if they By the last decade of the 19th century, the old
provision against sickness or unemployment. members’ subscriptions that enabled local societies were members of one family, for a more unanimous village clubs had all but had their day. In many
Sometimes clubs also paid for burials, gave cash to survive, because they were able to charge less than parish cannot be found, they all appear to dwell places the affiliated orders such as the Forresters
payments for injuries, paid lump sums and a the affiliated orders to ordinary members - though together in friendship and unity’. Members would and Oddfellows had taken over and Club Day
small pension to widows and orphans, and, very they also typically paid out lower benefits. assemble at the Bell Inn and parade behind a band, reduced to simply marching around the village.
occasionally, a pension for the contributor when possibly though not definitely the Frittenden Band Not in Frittenden, however. Whatever motives
he became too old to work. Such clubs had come The object of the Frittenden’s Friendly Society was to Chaps, to the Church for a service conducted by lay behind the establishment of this society, its
into existence in England at the end of the “give relief to the afflicted, at the smallest expense to Edward Moore or his successors. longevity suggests that, right down to the eve of
seventeenth century. its members”. This was achieved by the payment of World War II, it made a valued contribution to the
a small sum monthly. This entitled members, all of After this they would parade the village before welfare of the parish.
Their early growth was encouraged both by the whom were men, to receive funds from the Society, having a ‘capital dinner’, usually in the field adjacent
government in the form of sympathetic legislation, should he become incapable of working not as a to The Bell Inn. The Club dinner was conducted A rare survivor, Frittenden Provident Society’s
after carefully distinguishing between Friendly result of “his own misconduct, or wanton act”. with some ceremony. After the meal there were fragile flag is held in St Mary’s Church.
Societies and trade unions. Local civic elite - gentry,
farmers and clergymen - started up clubs and often The Provident Fund was a successful institution,
kept them firmly under their control. boasting in 1894 a reserve fund of over £1,000 and a From the kitchen
Benefits were varied from area to area. Local
membership of 220. What evidence we have suggests
that there was little interference from the honorary of the Old Dragon.
societies such, as that in Frittenden, collected members. In particular, there are few signs of any
smaller sums than the affiliated societies such We can offer you a large range
attempt to curtail or redirect the social activities of
as The Oddfellows. It was not solely economic the club along approved lines. of homemade preserves, jams,
considerations which bound men to the local clubs. marmalades, chutneys, sauces
The business of the society was conducted at The Bell
They were less closely regulated which enabled and curds.
the club feasts and beer on club night to be paid Inn [now the Bell and Jorrocks] on the first Monday
for out of funds, a custom which the affiliated clubs of every month while the Club Day, held in May, was Free from preservatives. We
had to abandon. an annual event in the village. For the village, Club use locally sourced fruit and
Day was ushered in by the ringing of the church
The origins and organisations of these local societies bells. From The Bell, later the Club Room, carrying vegetables whenever possible.
were almost as diverse as the societies themselves. their club banner, the members marched to church
It is probably no coincidence that Frittenden Call Jenny & Tim anytime
with boots shining, unfamiliar collars tight round the
established a Provident Society in 1839, the year that neck, watched by the rest of the village. At their head on 01580 852 468
Edward Moore arrived as a clergyman. Moore was
12 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 13
Bell & Jorrocks Villagers’ View
Thank you for your support…
Sean & Rosie
Stable Stores EST 2020
We would like to thank you all for
your support 2020/21.
Help us to continue to make it grow by
supporting and putting forward your The Bell and Jorrocks
suggestions, we would love the transition 01580852415
to be financially & productively supportive
We ask that if you want to eat with us,
to the new venture that lies ahead with the Photography by Marian Boswall
please book. We are still offering our
community shop committee. In such a
takeaway menu.
small village it will take everyone’s efforts to
make the shop become reality. We will continue to wear face masks inside
while moving around.
Floating high above St Mary’s
Continue to enjoy our lovely
fresh produce Signing in is optional.
We welcome monthly photography submissions accompanied by a caption to
Monday-Saturday 8.30 - 3pm Respect others personal space. frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
14 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 15
Bell Ringers
01580 893152
Oranges
and St Sepulchre- enquiries@radfordsestates.co.uk
without-Newgate www.radfordsestates.co.uk
started ringing Crampton House, High Street, Staplehurst, TN12 0AU
and
out their peals
across London Why Choose Radfords Estate Agents?
as part of a day
long programme
Lemons
Highly skilled team of professionals with in-depth local market knowledge
of ringing. In Proven track record of selling success
all, twenty bell Specialist advice in selling of all types of property
towers had a Letting your property
Rebecca Steele busy itinerary, Global exposure of properties through our cutting edge website radfordsestates.co.uk
some ringing and major national portals including Rightmove, OnTheMarket, Prime Location and Zoopla
complicated peals lasting over three hours Free, no obligation pre-market appraisals
If you were travelling through London and others open for general ringing for any Quality colour printed sales particulars with bespoke options and floor plans
on 31 July you would likely have thought bellringer who had been able to travel to the Comprehensive database of applicants matching quality buyers to properties
that something rather momentous was capital. During the day I was able to ring Targeted national, regional and local advertising campaigns, including the Wealden Advertiser.
occurring. The iconic churches of nursery the bells of three of these famous churches,
rhyme fame were jubilantly competing f something which I would never have dreamt
or the attention of everyone within the possible before learning to ring the bells of St
Square Mile, residents and visitors alike. Mary’s, Frittenden.
This was not because of a royal occasion
or warning of imminent invasion, rather a
celebration that, with the easing of COVID
restrictions, some degree of normality
was returning to the country and in
remembrance of all those who have
suffered from the global pandemic.
The day
began with
the ringing
of Great Paul
at St Paul’s Bellringers are made welcome with open
Cathedral. arms in towers around the world (COVID
Great Paul allowing). Whether in rural parish churches
is the largest or grand metropolitan cathedrals, the
swinging bell community of bellringers is a friendly and
in the United welcoming one. Whether the bells of St
Kingdom and hasn’t been rung properly for Clements, the Swan Bell Tower in Perth,
over ten years. This, the grandfather of all City Western Australia or indeed St Mary’s Church
bells, was rung in the presence of the Lord Frittenden, ringers and aspiring ringers will
Mayor and the Bishop of London at 9:20am. find friendly people to welcome them and
In reply, the bells of St Mary le Bow (aka the maybe even a spare bell rope to get hold of.
Great Bells of Bow), St Magnus the Martyr Why not give it a go sometime……? Details
in village contacts.
16 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 17
Music Notes Gardening Society
Well, the promised release from virus restrictions for I will select After such a long time the Frittenden Gardening Society
amateur musicians has come to pass and rehearsals William Boyce was able to hold its first social event on Friday 6th
are starting, but there is an inevitable time-lag before for details: August. We had various visits, both outside of the village
concerts can be produced. My researches show that and to village gardens, and of course the Spring Show
Born in 1711 he
Maidstone Symphony Orchestra has a concert planned arranged for this year but Covid stopped all that.
was a choirboy in
for 9th October and Maidstone Choral Union has a
St. Paul’s cathedral So it was really good to see so many people, including some
concert planned for 30th October. Maidstone Singers’
and went on to new members, at Duncan and Colleen Rouse’s house to
deferred concert takes place on 20th November.
hold a number of
September however is too early for the amateurs share a glass of wine and catch up what had been happening
posts in church
although we can look forward to the professional over the last year and of course to look round their lovely
music before
Leeds Castle classical concert on 4th September. The garden and vegetable beds.
being appointed
last night of the proms is 11th September and you can William Boyce (attributed to Mason
as Master of the
see it on BBC2 (first half) and BBC1 (second half). Chamberlin (1727–1787)
King’s Music
Twenty of the proms will be available on BBCiplayer
in 1757. His
until 11th October.
compositions varied widely – from songs for the
Meanwhile I continue to search out anniversaries; here Vauxhall Gardens to oratorio, from instrumental
they are for September: sonatas and opera to Garrick’s 1759 pantomime
Harlequin’s Invasion which contained what became We are very much hoping that we will
8th Sept: 180th anniversary of the birth of Antonín
Boyce’s most famous song, Hearts of Oak. be able to hold our Autumn Show on
Dvořák, Czech composer
As “Master of the King’s Musick” Boyce had the 4th September in the newly renovated
10th Sept: 80th anniversary of birth of Christopher Frittenden Memorial Hall and we do
responsibility of writing music for royal occasions.
Hogwood, English conductor, harpsichordist and hope that whether you are a member of
He, however, refused to make a new setting of Zadok
musicologist the Frittenden Gardening Society or not
the Priest for the coronation of George III in 1761
11th Sept: 310th anniversary of birth of William on the grounds that Handel’s setting of the anthem that you will come along, have a cup of
Boyce, English composer and organist. was unsurpassable – as a consequence of which tea and cake and enjoy the display. If
Handel’s setting has been played at every subsequent you miss/missed it we will post some
22nd Sept: 20th anniversary of death of Isaac Stern, British coronation.
American musician pictures in next month’s magazine.
Photos by Duncan Rouse
27th Sept: 100th anniversary of death of Engelbert
Humperdinck, German composer
Brian Hardy Diane Campos
Helen Grant
MP for Maidstone and the Weald
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I am here to help you in any way that I can. If there is an INJURIES SPRAINS & STRAINS
issue of concern to you, where you believe I can assist,
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or if you would like to arrange a meeting with me,
please email me at helen.grant.mp@parliament.uk
or telephone 020 7219 7107. 01580 892266
helengrant.org @HelenGrantMP Promoted by SUE SMITH. Grad.Dip.Phys., MCSP. HCPC.
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Serving the community for over 25 years.
18 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 19Village News Council
Gosbee’s Tales from
I have chaired my first Health Action Team,
meeting with other agencies addressing health
and wellbeing with priorities such as obesity,
the Town Hall substance misuse, mental health and COVID
Gossip
recovery. I have also joined the West Kent
Integrated Health Partnership in conjunction
Andy Fairweather with neighbouring councils and NHS
representatives. The main aim and objectives are
Lester Gosbee I hope everyone survived the recent rainfall to reduce health inequalities. It was shocking
and flooding. Other parts of the Borough to hear NHS data showing in Frittenden and
A date for your diary, on Saturday 25th October. Hopefully I will have more details for suffered severe damage to business and Sissinghurst we have up to a 25 yr extra life
September between 10.30am and 2.30pm, you in the next issue of this magazine. It seems private property. expectancy in comparison with more deprived
Barbara Dunn is hosting a ‘Big Green Day’ in like ages ago that we were getting excited about areas of Kent.
the Memorial Hall. In spite of her advancing the Football Euro Championships. The England Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has pledged
years, Barbara always has great enthusiasm team had its best run since 1966. The final against to help find homes for five Afghan families as Regarding housing. I am working on two more
for everything, and this project is no different. Italy was a let-down after starting so well. I think part of the Government’s relocation scheme projects to provide genuine social rent housing
Her aim is to highlight the issue of Global that manager Gareth Southgate should have to those in need. This varies hugely from what is
Warming , leading up to the Summit in made more use of his substitutions, but hindsight I had announced that TWBC would be helping termed affordable housing or affordable rental.
Glasgow in November. Barbara’s event will is a great thing. Well done England. find a home for an Afghan translator and their We have nigh on ended all homeless sleepers
include contributions from various groups and
The Tokyo Olympics were brilliant, and we barely family under the Afghan Locally Employed Staff in Tunbridge Wells and The Russel Hotel have
individuals who are recycling for good causes.
We all have to do our bit to help the planet, noticed that there were not the usual crowds of Relocation scheme but given the worsening been a huge support with this. We have also
starting with our own small part of the world. spectators. Team GB won a total of 65 medals. situation in the country this was paused to see if completed 6 living units in Crescent Road, where
I am looking forward to learning how much If we added together the gold, silver and bronze it was possible to offer assistance to more people. those in need can be housed in the transition
more that I can do to preserve our village and medals together like the United States, we would from homelessness to secured housing. Each
our wonderful planet. have come third, not fourth on the medals table. ‘I think residents who are aware of what’s been occupant will be supported through the process
13 year old skateboarder Sky Brown won a happening in Afghanistan will agree we have and allowed a limited time of residence whilst
I have done a little bit of fund-raising for bronze medal, and was outstanding considering an obligation to help these people, many of
Dementia UK, by having my hair dyed the the fact that she had severe injuries at the age of this takes place. I am immensely proud of the
whom have risked their lives to help our troops. housing team at the council who kitted out these
colours of the rainbow (photo attached). I am 11 and her parents encouraged her to give up
still getting donations, but the total raised so skateboarding. I am sure that we will hear much I am very pleased we’re going to be able to help units once they were completed. Furnishing
far is £934.05. I am blown away by everyone’s more from Sky Brown in years to come. Maybe more than one family this year. It is the right and providing all wares as required on a limited
generosity, so huge thanks to everyone who she will get gold in France 2024? She has already thing to do.’ budget. Using charity shops and providers. Well
donated for this important cause. competed in ‘Dancing With The Stars’ in the done to them.
United States. The Council has previously helped Afghan
On 7th August, we attended the 50th interpreters settle in the area and has housed and I hope to see many of you on my travels and
Anniversary celebration of Judy and Tony Staples. Congratulations to everyone who managed to supported Syrian refugee families since 2015.
It was really lovely to be able to mix with people complete their A levels in these difficult times. socialising around the ward. As ever I am happy
again after the long running isolation rules. I got I don’t like all the publicity suggesting that to listen to any concerns either by phone, email
The families will be living in private
to meet some less familiar faces, including a lady the students were over-marked. The teachers or meeting personally.
rented accommodation.
that I didn’t recognise, only to find that she lives are best placed to rate their students’ abilities.
directly opposite me!. How embarrassing. The Government should give praise for our The Council is grateful to private landlords who Very best
youngsters, not try to discredit their hard work in have helped with the resettlement programme Andy Fairweather
My wife Hazel is holding another Macmillan difficult circumstances.
Coffee/Tea and Cake afternoon on Sunday 25th previously and would be pleased to hear from Ward Member for Frittenden
September between 12 and 5pm, here at Manor Joke time: A cement mixer collided with a other landlords who have family sized homes and Sissinghurst TWBC
Farm. Everyone is welcome, and she hopes that prison van on Kingston bypass. Motorists and who would like to support this initiative. andrew.fairweather@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
the weather will allow us to sit in the much are being asked to look out for 16 hardened Landlords should contact the Housing Team
improved garden. I am hoping to organise a criminals. on 01892 526121.
fundraising quiz for the Memorial Hall funds for
20 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 21Frittenden Cricket Frittenden Cricket
Rain did not
11th July v Dartford Away (friendly) 23rd July v Smarden Away (20/20) the pummelling they received from Charles’s 92
not out in May. The visitors were invited to bat
A last minute fixture against Dartford’s Sunday Frittenden scored 110-9. Smarden won in the
first. Captain Nic opted to hand the bowling to
Seconds was curtailed to 30 overs to allow 18th over, also losing 9 wickets. Scorecard not
stop play …
youngsters Bill Totterdell, Louis Harmer and
players to get home for a significant football available.
Ryan Martin. They bowled well but Egerton
match. Frittenden batted first, making 134-
25th July The Frittenden Premier got an opening stand of 73 before Andy Burns
8, led by Craig’s 42 in a stand of 72 with his
Tim Bull timbbull@aol.com League (No play. Rain) turned things around. He ran out one opener,
Dad, Don (20). After a mid-innings slump,
Aiden McGinley’s 32 and a few late blows got 29th July v Headcorn Away (Hundred)
Frittenden to 134-8. Two early wickets and
There is less cricket to report on than expected, Arriving late to play an evening 20/20, I was
Craig’s 3-20 saw Dartford 5 down, but half
owing to the extremely wet summer. thoroughly confused by a 10 ball “over”. It
centuries from their numbers 3 and 7 got the
was a while before the penny dropped that
20th June v Rolvenden Home (friendly) home side home comfortably to win by 5 wickets.
we were playing the much-hyped new format
Rolvenden invited Frittenden to bat first. 18th July v Borden Away (league) “The Hundred”, albeit without live music
Craig Smith (26) and Chamil Almeida (25) and fireworks. Headcorn’s strong batting
Away against table-topping Borden, Frittenden,
made a solid start, Mark Handley stayed line-up made 144-3. Frittenden struggled to
batting first, were dismissed for 131 with nearly
out there with (37 n.o.), but batting was not keep up with the required strike rate, despite
10 overs in hand. Chamil (29) and Mark (21
easy against accurate bowling. Frittenden many gifts of wides from Headcorn. Richard
retired) were making good progress when the
made 132-5 off 40 overs. Chamil (1-13 off Hunter top-scored with 35, but when he fell
latter was obliged to remove himself from the
8) and Wayne Totterdell (1-13 off 6) kept we needed more than 2 runs per ball from had the other caught by Ryan, and then took two
game after being covid-pinged. Finn McGinley
Frittenden in the game, but Rolvenden the last 25, and the innings subsided to 88-6, wickets in two balls to reduce Egerton to 118-4.
came in next and top-scored with 34, but a
won by 6 wickets with 7 overs in hand . defeat by 56 runs. The game was notable for the Andy was to effect a further run out, and Ryan
collapse left Frittenden a well below-par score to
comment “it seemed to go really fast until Tim and Louis each took wickets, as Egerton finished
27th June v High Halstow Away (league) defend. But in adversity and down to 10 men,
turned up, then everything slowed down”! on 198-7. Egerton’s Skipper elected to open his
the Treacle Miners mounted a famous defence.
Frittenden batted first and enjoyed the rare riches bowling attack with “experience”. R Parnham,
Craig took 4-41, and there were wickets for Nic, 1st August v Sherwood Home (league)
of a 150 run opening partnership between Craig bowling spin rather than the fearsome pace of his
Chamil and Wayne as the game came down to
(72) and Chamil (74). A familiar Frittenden Skipper for the day Charles Dobson devised a earlier career removed our top three, and good
the wire. Frittenden owed the victory to two up-
wobble saw three quick wickets fall as both cunning plan. Frittenden batted first and reached fortune and good cricket reduced Frittenden to
and-coming juniors: a direct hit run-out by Tom
were out, followed by Mark, but Nic Rodrigo 109-7 (Stuart Briley 33, Chamil 24, Tom Young 103-9 with 10 overs left. Wayne had some fun,
Young in the 37th over and a wicket for William
scored 35 and some late scampering saw us 17) in the 28th after which Charles brought top-scoring with 38 not out, before we were all
Totterdell in the 38th. Borden were all out for
reach 202-6 from 40 overs. High Halstow’s himself to the wicket to join our other “gun”, out for 130, losing by 68 runs. Egerton’s attack
125. Frittenden won by 6 runs.
reply was a case of “anything you can do I can Nic. A rapid 65 from Charles and 42 not out by was led by junior player Isabella, 7 overs, 4
do better”: a 200 run opening partnership Nic racked up 112 in 12 overs to give Frittenden maidens, 3-19.
took on all our bowlers, and they reached an excellent score of 217-8. Sherwood had a
With two matches to play, Frittenden are mid
a winning total of 205-1 in just 23 overs. nightmare start, losing 2 wickets both to Wayne
table in the Kent Village League Div 3 (West),
in the first 4 overs, before play was washed out by
4th July v Bredgar Home (league) a position which would almost certainly have
a torrential thunderstorm.
looked better had we not lost 4 matches to the
Needing League points, Frittenden worked 2nd August v Selsdon Home (friendly) weather. We hope for a few sunnier days to come
tirelessly to get our ground fit to play against No play. Waterlogged pitch. and a successful final flourish.
bottom-of-the-table Bredgar. The visitors
regarded our unseasonably damp wicket and 8th August v Town Malling Away Frittenden Cricket Club is a welcoming,
outfield with deep suspicion, but eventually (league) No play. Waterlogged pitch. friendly Club. New players are always
batted first in a match reduced to 25 overs. welcome. For information, please see our
15th August v Egerton Home (friendly) website: frittenden.play-cricket.com or
They had reached a decent 108-3 off 19 overs
when a fresh downpour sent them home Finally August delivered a full day’s play as contact the writer. Net sessions are currently
across the North Downs. No Result. Egerton visited, determined on revenge after taking place on Thursday evenings.
22 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 23Larchmere House Larchmere House
Our staff and
Pete our vicar and friends online of little ‘iddy widdy’
have been wonderful, they caterpillars which we
came round to sing hymns nurtured into full grown
volunteers are in the garden and weren’t
put off by a bit of a down
pour! Good old British
butterflies to be set free. It
turned out more successful
that I originally thought –
the best! spirit. We also had Holly,
a lovely 1940’s singer in the
garden. Beautiful to hear
we fell in love with these
beautiful creatures and
as you can see from the
Becky Bruce such a sweet voice after all picture they really were
the ‘squawking’ coming gorgeous to look at and
from Larchmere’s choir lovely for everyone to be
(!??) it made a change reminded how miraculous
(sorry girls !). nature can be. for staff and residents without buying the raffle tickets
would be a good idea. It was. Alison Penfold, one
The ‘sprucing up’ of Larchmere has worked wonders. We are lucky to have a qualified on-site masseur who of our carers, won one of the first winning tickets. I
We have a beautiful cosy sun room now with sumptuous gave a wonderful afternoon of luxury to the residents. encouraged her to take the ‘surprise envelope’ and said of
armchairs, coffee table, country paintings on the wall As photos depict it was a huge success. Elsie went into all the things that it might be a) a trip to the Caribbean
and beautiful country curtains – its hard to get up some kind of trance while having her feet massaged or b) a voucher for a Tiffany’s diamond, her face was
from sitting in this (either that or El Vera/Rosie’s scrumptious lunch had a picture when she opened it to find out she had won
room. Also, the taken effect). Anthony, wanted to take a walk on the an afternoon washing up with Rose. How cruel am
summerhouse, the ‘wild side’ so got his toe nails painted red – good for I. The residents howled at that one. Anthony won an
new laid lawn and him! and Geoff, for an almost centenarian and his first afternoon ironing with Lucy in Laundry and June Trivett
Hello from all at Larchmere. A little catch up for you the most beautiful experience of a spa treatment it didn’t seem too go down won an afternoon of tea and coffee making. Don’t
all of what has being going on here since we hanging baskets badly at all. worry they all got other good prizes in the end !
last spoke! (which we have
James’ Birthday – what a cake ! It was delivered to his We are after all having a fete day but it is going to be
I wanted to start off by saying how wonderful our mentioned before)
room by all the staff to wish him Happy Birthday. He sized down this year and only for residents and their
staff and volunteers are here at Larchmere. I have said but are going strong,
had a yummy lunch at the Bell and Jorrocks to celebrate families. The reasons you will know only too well and
it before and I am going to say it again they are the if anything they get
and said lying down afterwards in his bed was his way of will look forward to doing the largest of all fetes next
best. They all go above and beyond to make our lovely better all of the time.
recuperating from such a lovely meal ! year for you all.
residents’ lives as happy as can be and throughout all Butterflies …. We
this co vid uncertainty have stayed happy and upbeat Also, ‘raffle afternoon’ was a hoot ! We have been lucky See you in October … pray for the sun between now
had an idea to get
Parish
with magsmile.
a lovely ad_Parish Mag 13/05/2021 17:27 Page 1 enough to have so many donations of various items and then !!!
a pack sent to us
from you and families that we thought an internal raffle
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24 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 25Village Stories Village Stories
The Bell and its associates A village of
Richard Hemsley a member of Maidstone Stroke Club. Passion and
Having spent most of my formative years living
in Iden Cottage Frittenden Road, Staplehurst and
and sell off glasses of cider for a few pence and put
the proceeds into the village coffers. This they did,
Compassion…
just a bike ride from the centre of Frittenden, I had but one local, Lenard Croysdill, a local big wig, and
intimate knowledge of The Bell and it’s associates. head of the council roads department reckoned that
Janet and Stuart Ash
he could drink three small glasses of the stingo and
Frittenden was a quaint little village with two
remain sober, much to the consternation of his over
number 44 buses a week, both on Tuesday, market We can hardly believe that we (Janet and
dressed wife.
day in Maidstone. The bus travelling right pass our
front door. As sure as eggs are eggs, he was soon flat on his
Stuart Ash) left Frittenden over 10 years
back and his somewhat overdressed wife was most ago. We moved to Cornwall in 2010, but We would also like to thank our friends
The Bell was kept by one Dive Bearsby and it
embarrassed, having watch him carried back to after 23 years together with you, we still in Frittenden for their kind thoughts and
seemed to be the social centre for the horse racing
fraternity of the area, with Len Barling and John
their car. feel part of the Frittenden community prayers when we have been through difficult
Truman both holding NH trainers licences, being A wonderful evening must have been had by all and in spirit. Not that we are sorry to have times. We are blessed that Stuart has ‘pulled
regulars there was a distinct rivalry between the no doubt stories appear in many anecdotes passed by migrated to the welcoming parish here, in through’ some major illnesses in the last three
Bell clientele and that of the Jorrocks and I have too the illustrious village cartoonist Bob Coram. this glorious part of England. Frittenden years. However, we are saddened that so
many stories to tell.
was the most wonderful village for our many friends and neighbours in Frittenden
1961 was supposed to be the hundredth birthday three growing sons, and for us in our have not had such good fortune. As well as
MO
PPS of TOR
of something or other the village really celebrated. younger days, but now our families with getting news through the Parish Magazine,
During the previous winter my father had obtained I
H Smarden seven grandchildren between them can we are most grateful to friends, and to Brenda
a large empty sherry cask and had Sid Mackleden
S
enjoy the beach, the surf, and the South
P
a local farmer from Sissinghurst to press an odd est.1984 Croucher in particular, for keeping in touch,
assortment of apples. This was casked up and he fed Tel: 01233 770171 West coast path just 200 yards from our so that we have been able to keep those of you
www.phippsmotors.co.uk
it and added the correct amount of sugar at the right cottage when they visit us. suffering illness or loss in our thoughts and
time, until one day the measuring got the better of
In large part, our ties to Frittenden have prayers too.
him and the whole sack went in, but he drew off the
necessary to compensate. Or so he said. The next been sustained by the enlightening and Frittenden is a village of passion and
spring, having forgotten all about it, I came home entertaining Parish Magazine, sent to us compassion, and long may it last. Passion
from school one day and went to my father’s Office • MOTs
only to see the General, Gordon Burgess and his
kindly every month by Jennifer Jeffery. So for local history, gardening, togetherness at
man, Sam Fields, a champion dart player of local
• Servicing and repairs thank you Jennifer, and a big thanks also to church, pub or shop, cricket, the environment,
renown, in conversation. • Diagnostics all the team, the contributors, and to Mike and more; compassion in nurturing the young
The General asked my father about his cider barrel especially for your twenty years of such and supporting the elderly. We will be back to
and then they decided to sample it and he declared • Tyres and batteries worthwhile service to the community. Not visit, but meanwhile we send our love and best
it just right after just two sherry schooners. About • Air conditioning only has the Magazine kept us in touch wishes, and anyone finding themselves in, or
twenty minutes later, Sam came walking back into with friends, neighbours and goings-on passing by, Bude, is most welcome to call in
the yard and happen to mention that the General • Welding (and ‘gossip’!), but it has also brought us for a ‘cuppa’ or more.
had put their Morris 1000 pickup in the ditch and
could he borrow a tractor. The General had also • Digital 4 wheel alignment the Rector’s words of encouragement, some
made a mess of his pants! historical or botanical education, and the If you have any village stories
To cut a long story short, the General and my father Kenfield Coachworks, Mill Lane, Smarden TN27 8NW
occasional excruciating joke to look forward to share please email:
to every month! frittendenparishmagazine@gmail.com
arranged for my father and a few others to set up a
table outside the Bell on Centenary day dance night
Your local family run garage
26 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 27Anniversary Anniversary
50
it was there, across a crowded room (cue we enjoyed a happy reception held with
the music!) that he saw me and told himself a marquee at Ridgefield, followed by an
that I was the girl he was going to marry. evening meal at Ye Maydes in Biddenden,
Golden
sadly now closed. I had thought that we’d
Having been brought up in the sticks, I
spend our first week of married life in
thoroughly enjoyed the bright lights and all
the new house at Staplehurst but after
that London had to offer. I turned down
Years
the telegrams had been read out at the
four serious offers of marriage - from a
reception, the Best Man then produced
soldier in the RAPC, a French electrician,
travel tickets to Paris. Ian had secretly
a Mauritian and a student at the LSE, but
arranged for us to have a 5-night stay in
Eileen and Ian Mounter when Ian finally proposed to me exactly a
the Grand Hotel (now costing over £1000
year to the day after we’d met, I accepted,
a night!).
and by the time I’d finished teacher training
someone who enquired the whereabouts
was only too glad to get back to the We’ve been greatly blessed with four
of the Students’ Union building where
country where we initially set up house in wonderful children, three lovely daughters-
a disco was being held. Having given
Staplehurst and I taught at Angley whilst in-law and seven delightful grandchildren.
directions, we then decided to attend the
Ian commuted to his London fire station in
It seems hard to believe that it’s 50 years disco ourselves. We think the secret of a happily married
Sidcup by car.
ago that Ian and I stood on the steps of St life is having three people in the marriage –
Ian was a wartime baby, born in Dulwich
Mary’s Church, Frittenden, having just Our wedding day was fine but windy, and husband, wife and Jesus!
and adopted by a couple living in Mitcham
got married on 28th August 1971, and where he grew up as an only child. Whilst
the eight bells rang out joyfully as they do still at school he tried his hand at various
today after a wedding. jobs such as doing a paper round and
So how did a farmer’s daughter from
Frittenden come to meet a London
helping with a milk round to earn some
pocket money. He did window-cleaning C.S.Climbing Services
fireman? I was born in the spare room at and worked in the Post Office as a telegram
Ridgefield (then a Colt bungalow), second boy before joining the London Fire Brigade. All tree work undertaken Seasoned split LOGS Free quotation
daughter to Ruth and Henry Newman, and After a drink at the pub one Friday evening
we spent a very happy childhood on the he was persuaded to join his friends in
farm (Buckhurst), with our 4 cousins and going to a disco at Whitelands College and
ready playmates in the farmhouse.
I was privately educated until the age of
eleven, when, due to a plummet in the
dairy business, Rachel and I transferred
to the Mary Sheafe School in Cranbrook.
I later went on to Tonbridge Technical
School to study for A Levels and then to
Whitelands College, University of London,
to train as a teacher. Rachel trained as a
Nanny in Tunbrige Wells and later joined
me in London to flat-share.
Fully NPTC certified and insured
One Friday evening we decided to visit
some of my college friends who lived in Phone: 07825 349605 E-mail: craigsmith210@ hotmail.com
the college, but on the way we were met by
28 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine September 2021 29You can also read
